DENR workers pooled P2.6 million cash aid for co-workers affected by ‘Sendong’

A total of P2,619,892.00 has already been raised by employees of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to aid some 249 co-workers in Cagayan De Oro City (CDO) affected by typhoon “Sendong” last December 17, 2011.

DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje turned over the initial amount of P2 million in manager’s check to DENR-Region 10 employees union president Felixberto Capadocia in simple rites held Monday (January 9) during the flag raising ceremonies at the DENR Central Office grounds in Quezon City .

“More relief goods and cash donations are still coming in and these will be turned over to ease the suffering of our co-workers in Cagayan de Oro City,” said Paje.

Some 40 boxes containing of essential daily items like clothings, footwear, toiletries, and beddings have already been either shipped or are ready for transport to CDO for distribution to the victims.

"We do hope that our modest contribution would go a long way in easing the suffering of our affected co-workers and their families,” Paje said, lauding the humanitarian gesture of the members of the K4-DENR Employees Union (DENREU) who pooled together their resources in response to the fund-raising campaign he launched last December 21, 2011.

K4-DENREU is the association of all union chapters of the department’s employees, numbering around 18,525 nationwide.

Paje likewise cited the response from the DENR’s staff and line bureaus which pooled a total donation of P1,198,850.

“The outpouring of aid spawned responses even from private loan and saving cooperative body organized by some DENR employees,” Paje said, referring to the Forestry Saving and Loan Association (FOSLA) which gave P8,000. PAO-DENR

Paje reiterates appeal to LGUs: Read geohazard maps, stop issuing small-scale mining permits

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje today reiterated his appeal to all local government officials to revisit the geohazard maps distributed by the agency and institute mitigating measures to shield communities from danger.

At the same time, he asked the same officials to cease from further issuing small-scale mining (SSM) permits as the DENR no longer issues environmental compliance certificate (ECC) for SSM.

Paje sounded off the appeal in the wake of the Pantukan landslide early Thursday morning, which has already reportedly claimed 25 lives as of press time.

The DENR chief said that he has already dispatched a team of geologists to assess the area for possible dangers posed on rescuers, warning them of the possibility of further landslides due to the condition of the soil as well as holes caused by small-scale mining.

He said that he, along with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, had visited in April 2011 and found cracks along the mountain ridges. “The area continues to act as a magnet to as many as 200,000 individuals during a gold rush,” he said. They had then warned the LGU that it would only be a matter of time before the mountainside would collapse. PAO-DENR

NGP breaches 100,000-hectare target for 2011 by 17%

Some 69.37 million tree seedlings have been planted in some 117,688 hectares of open and denuded forestland, about 17 percent above the 100,000-hectare target for 2011.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje said the latest figure is based on the December 27, 2011 report of the National Greening Program (NGP), which is being implemented as a convergence initiative among the Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform and the DENR.

“Our accomplishment this year already paints a very positive scenario for 2012 as all indicators point to meeting, if not breaching, our 2011 target despite the fact that the NGP went into full swing by the 2nd quarter of 2011 following the issuance of Executive Order 26 by President Aquino last February 24,” Paje said. The DENR intends to double the target at 200,000 hectares for next year.

Based on the report, some 567,324 individuals have already enlisted in the program and took part in planting the seedlings during the year. The tree planters represented a cross section of public and private volunteers from government agencies, schools, civic organization including the church, local government units and business sectors.

Paje reiterated NGP’s goal of posting a minimum survival rate of 80 percent for the seedlings by tapping science and sound upland practices and confining identified NGP planting sites only in areas where there are communities who will be tapped to maintain and ensure growth of planted seedlings into mature trees.

“We are using matured technology in the program to increase the survivability of the seedlings,” Paje said, referring to the Mycorrhiza technology and clonal technology which reproduce quality seedlings from vegetative parts of choice planting materials grown in clonal nurseries and are inoculated with root-growing hormones Mycorrhiza.

The NGP targets to plant 1.5 billion tree seedlings in 1.5 million hectares nationwide from 2011 to 2016. Priority areas for planting include mangrove and protected areas, ancestral domain areas, civil and military areas, urban areas under the greening plan of LGUs, inactive and abandoned mine sites, and all other suitable lands for reforestation. PAO-DENR

Paje urges parents, grandparents to support call for “no fireworks”

In a move to reduce the volume of air pollution brought about by massive use of firecrackers and fireworks, Environment and Natural Resources Ramon J. P. Paje turns on parents and grandparents to support the call for “no fireworks, firecrackers” in the forthcoming New Year’s celebration.

“Air pollution is a health hazard. Our health department has been very vocal about it that it particularly impact on our children and senior citizens because of their fragile health condition. This is the reason why I am calling on parents and grandparents for their support because in our culture, we always accede to the wisdom and “pakiusap” of our parents and grandparents,” Paje said.

At the same time, he also called on vehicle owners to take advantage of the holidays to have their engines tuned up not only in preparation for next year’s vehicle registration but also to bring down the contribution of vehicles to air pollution.

Paje made the call as he announced the operationalization of an automatic air quality monitoring station in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City, the third to be established this year which is capable of monitoring in real time pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, benzene, toluene and xylene.

The first two were installed near the De La Salle University in Taft, Manila and at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela in Valenzuela City. Another one will be set up early next year along EDSA near the office of the Department of Public Works and Highways, also in Quezon City.

Leading the launching of the air monitoring station in Commonwealth, Quezon City last week were Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, and Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Director Juan Miguel Cuna, representing DENR Secretary Ramon Paje.

“These stations will provide us not only with timely information on the state of air quality in the vicinity but also some meteorological data like wind speed and wind direction which are useful inputs to strengthen our air quality management program,” Paje said.

Aside from the four fully automatic stations, whose readings can be gathered and analyzed online and in real time, the DENR has nine manual monitoring stations set up throughout Metro Manila to measure TSP levels. All stations are maintained and monitored by EMB personnel.

According to the DENR chief, current inter-agency efforts like the anti-smoke belching operations and the closer monitoring of private emission testing centers have contributed in improving the air quality in the metropolis. This is evidenced by the decline in the level of total suspended particulates (TSP) in the metropolis, from an average of 166 micrograms per normal cubic meter (μg/Ncm) at the end of the second quarter of 2010 to 116 μg/Ncm as of the third quarter of 2011.

But still, Paje emphasized that these levels are still beyond the World Health Organization (WHO) standard of 90 μg/Ncm.

DENR data indicates that 80 percent of air pollution in urban centers comes from motor vehicles, with industries and other stationary sources contributing at least 20 percent. However, Paje explained that air pollution also gets worsened as well during the year-end holidays due to massive use of fireworks by the people to welcome the new year.

Relative to this, he reiterated his call on the public to make use of other environment-friendly alternatives in their New Year revelry. “If we need to go back to how our grandparents welcome the New Year, why not,” Paje stressed.

Among the traditional yet environment-friendly merry-making activities of yesteryears that Paje suggested include the banging of batya or planggana, biking around the neighborhood with the bikes tailed with used cans, torotot, sounding of police sirens as they goes around checking on the neighborhood, ringing of church bells, etc.

Paje said that breathing clean air is a basic human right that the government must ensure, but that right must be responded with equal responsibility among the citizenry to do their share in the effort.

“I suppose this is going to be the smartest way to start the new year, and the most doable and sustainable New Year’s resolution one can ever have,” Paje said. PAO-DENR

Sinocolan-Dagupan River System as new water quality management area established by DENR

The Sinocolan-Dagupan River System (SDRS) in Pangasinan province was established by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as another Water Quality Management Area (WQMA).
This establishment is in line with the government efforts to speed up the rehabilitation of important rivers in the country that face threat from development activities.
DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje also called for the creation of a multi-sectoral governing board that will oversee the management of the water quality of SDRS, in compliance to DENR Administrative Order 2011-14, dated November 23, 2011.

The governing board to oversee the quality of water in the SORS will determine the level of contamination from development activities, if beyond acceptable levels.

It will be based on the results of a four-month long monitoring activity conducted in 19 sampling stations between January to April this year.

The SDRS designation brings to seven the number of WQMAs existing in the country, which includes the Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando river system and areas within Laguna Lake Development Authority’s jurisdiction in Luzon; the Tigum-Aganan watershed and the Iloilo-Batiano river system in the Visayas; and the Silway River and the Sarangani Bay in Mindanao.

The Sinocalan, whose development activities are predominantly for aquaculture, agriculture and domestic purposes - snakes through the municipalities of Binalonan, Sta. Barbara, Calasiao, Mangaldan, Malasiqui and Binmaley and the cities of Urdaneta, San Carlos and Dagupan before eventually draining into the Lingayen Gulf.

Paje said that SDRS case amplifies their call to urgently act on the dying conditions of the country’s important water bodies.

He stressed that designing WQMA’s will enable concerned officials in the national and local levels to take focused interventions on specific water quality issues relevant to a particular locality.

The WQMA governing board chaired by the DENR representative is composed of Mayors and Governors of concerned LGUs and representatives of relevant government agencies, duly registered non-government organizations, water utility sector, and the business sector. Estrella Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn MegaManila

Philippines’ most eco-friendly schools named by DENR and Partners

Nine schools were named as the national champions of the 2011 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and partners Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and SMART Communications at SM City North EDSA in November 16, 2011.

Handling out the awards were DENR Assistant Secretary for Management and Finance Corazon Davis, representing DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje; Smart’s Community Partners senior manager Darwin Flores; DepEd’s Nutrition Division head Dr. Juan Araojo, Jr.; and CHED Director William Malitao.

In a speech read by Davis, Paje described as “overwhelming” the schools’ response to the call for entries to the competition. “The contest was launched so that schools will participate more actively in environmental programs. We hope that in doing so, the students will also encourage others to adopt sustainable practices,” Paje said.

The nine national champions were chosen from 45 regional champions representing the elementary, high school and college levels. For the elementary level, Iliranan Elementary School of San Carlos City in Negros Occidental; Kibawe Central School in Kibawe, Bukidnon; and San Mariano Elementary School in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro were proclaimed as first, second and third placers, respectively.

Declared high school level champions were the Camarines Sur National High School in Naga City (1st); University of San Jose Recoletos – High School in Cebu City (2nd); and Daniel R. Aquinaldo National High School in Davao City (3rd).

Meanwhile, De La Salle University – Dasmariñas in Cavite; Palawan State University in Puerto Princesa City; and Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City were awarded the first, second and third places for the college level.

The national champions each received plaques of recognition and cash prizes of P50,000 for first place, P40,000 for second place, and P30,000 for third place. The awarding coincided with the celebration of November as National Environmental Awareness Month as provided under Republic Act No. 9512, also known as the National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008.

Now on its second run, the nationwide competition aims to recognize educational institutions from elementary to college levels with the best sustainable and environment-friendly programs and activities. It is the Philippines’ initiative in support to the ASEAN Environmental Education Action Plan (2008-2012), and the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014).

Declared regional champions for the elementary school level were: Commonwealth Elementary School, Quezon City; Lawig Elementary School, Ifugao Province; Cal-laguip Elementary School, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur; Peñablanca East Central School, Peñablanca, Cagayan; Matain Elementary School, Subic, Zambales; San Isidro Elementary School, Batangas City; San Mariano Elementary School in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro;

Iliranan Elementary School, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental; Simeon Ayuda Elementary School, Liloan, Cebu; Lomonon Elementary School, Palompon, Leyte; Kibawe Central School, Bukidnon; Luna Elementary School, Kapalong, Davao Del Norte; Panay Elementary School, Sto.Niño, South Cotabato; and Duangan Elementary School, Esperanza, Agusan Del Sur.

Regional champions for the high school level were: Jose P. Laurel Sr. High School, Project 4, Quezon City; Baguio City National High School, Governor Pack Road, Baguio City; Sinait National High School, Ilocos Sur; San Mateo General Comprehensive High School, Isabela; Digdig High School, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija; Pedro Guevara Memorial National High School, Sta. Cruz, Laguna; President Diosdado Macapagal Memorial National High School, Gloria, Oriental Mindoro; Camarines Sur National High School, Naga City;

Julio Ledesma National High School, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental; University of San Jose-Recoletos High School, Cebu City; Don Geronimo B. Zaldivar Memorial School of Fisheries, Albuera, Leyte; Siayan National High School, Zamboanga Del Norte; Balo-i National High School, Lanao Del Norte; Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School, Matina, Davao City; Tulunan National High School, North Cotabato; and Esperanza National High School, Agusan Del Sur.

For the college level, the schools that made it to the national level were: Ateneo De Manila University, Quezon City; University of the Cordilleras, Governor Pack Road, Baguio City; Mariano Marcos State University, Batac, Ilocos Norte; St. Paul University Philippines, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; De La Salle University - Dasmariñas, Cavite; Palawan State University, in Puerto Princesa City;

Catanduanes State Colleges, Virac, Catanduanes; Central Philippine University, Jaro, Iloilo City; St. Paul University Dumaguete, Negros Oriental; University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar; Universidad De Zamboanga, Tetuan, Zamboanga City; Capitol University, Cagayan De Oro City; Davao Doctors College, Davao City; Notre Dame of Marbel University, Koronadal City, South Cotabato; and Caraga State University, Butuan City. Estrella Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn MegaManila

Paje calls for reduced use of plastics, styrofoam

With parties here and there, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje is urging the public to refrain from using plastic utensils and polysterene food containers, more popularly known as styrofoam, to reduce the volume of holiday garbage.

At the same time, Paje urged all employees of the DENR nationwide to set an example by using re-usable utensils and food containers.

“There is no stopping us in merry-making this holiday season. Christmas will always be the most awaited event in our Christian life, and food is always one of the most important ingredients that make gatherings enjoyable,” However, Paje urged the people to also put serious thought on the impact of their activities to the environment and find ways to reduce their carbon footprint.

“There are definitely a thousand ways that we could do to help Mother Earth recover from its ailing health -- from tree growing and gardening to using recyclable bags to wrap our gifts, to car pooling to save gas, to not lighting a fireworks this coming New Year so as not to add to air pollution,” Paje stressed.

In a memorandum to all officials and employees, heads of the DENR union, security group and catering services, DENR Assistant Secretary Corazon Davis noted that the implementation of the “no plastic and styrofoam” policy in the department was very encouraging that she reiterated its sustained enforcement “for the good of the environment and the health of our people”.

The regulated use of plastic and styrofoam was initially carried out in the DENR central office in line with its “Green Multiplier” program, where employees are made to “walk the talk” in waste segregation, energy conservation, composting and other “green” practices not only in their offices but also in their homes and communities.

Under the order, Davis tasked the security guards not to allow caterers to deliver food in styrofoam containers inside DENR offices. She also instructed the employees’ union and cooperative and other employee organizations not to permit owners of food stalls in the Livelihood/Food Center to use thin plastic bags and encouraged them instead to use brown bags or other biodegradable alternatives like banana leaves.

Relative to this, the DENR union, K-4, has provided its members with re-usable plastic food containers which they use when buying food in food stalls within the department’s premises, thus, reducing the use of thin plastic bags. PAO-DENR

DENR advises public to avoid products without proper labels

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje today advised the public, particularly those who are still on a shopping spree for gifts, to avoid products that have no proper labeling.

At the same time, Paje urged consumers to report to concerned government agencies products suspected to contain toxic or hazardous chemicals for appropriate action.

Paje made the statement amid reports that some cheap toys from China that have found their way into the local street markets have high lead content that could cause adverse effect on health.

“As parents, we have to be mindful of the gifts we give to our children. Life may be difficult, but still it is no reason to patronize toys that are cheap but dangerous to their health,” Paje said.

He urged parents and adults to avoid toys and other products that are still in the market despite reports that these contain either toxic or hazardous substances.

“I advise parents and other gift-givers to be extra-careful, and be updated on news reports. The government, the media and some well-meaning non-government organizations never fail to inform the public of their findings. There is no more reason for us to fall victim to unscrupulous business practices,” he said.

According to him, the DENR is in close coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in ensuring that guidelines in product labeling for locally-manufactured toys and other consumer products are strictly followed.

He also announced that his agency is set to issue a directive that would regulate the importation and use of lead and lead compounds in the country.

“We will be issuing a chemical control order (CCO) for lead as soon as the Environmental Management Bureau EMB) finishes the public consultation process with various stakeholders, including affected small and medium enterprises, and inputs are collected and incorporated in the draft order,” Paje said.

The proposed CCO for lead and lead compounds will cover importation, distribution, manufacture and use of lead and lead compounds, as well as their storage, transport and disposal of wastes.


Lead is a heavy, bluish-gray metal either in the form of granules, shot, foil, sheet or powder. It is naturally occurring in the earth’s crust and is relatively poor as conductor of electricity. However, exposure to lead could be toxic to many organs and tissues, such as heart and kidneys and to the reproductive and nervous systems. Lead exposure among children could affect their learning ability and may cause behavioral disorders.

Childhood lead exposure can occur by way of ingestion of lead dust dislodged from deteriorated paint or leaded dust generated during remodeling or painting.

According to Paje, lead is used in the country as raw materials or additives in major industries, such as in the semiconductor sector, printing, smelting, recycling and soldering. Lead is also used in the manufacture of ammunitions, batteries, and paints and pigments.

He said that despite the presence of cheap alternatives, lead-based products such as paints are still widely used in bridges, ships, railways, lighthouses and other steel structures because it slows down rusting and corrosion of iron and steel.

Pending its issuance, Paje said the DENR is strictly monitoring registered industries, including paint manufacturers, to ensure compliance to earlier guidelines issued by the department such as DAO 2005-27 or the Revised Priority Chemical List (PCL) which requires all users, importers, and manufacturers of chemicals included in the list to comply with such requirements as submission of an Annual Report and Hazardous Wastes Registration Report. PAO-DENR

DENR advises public to avoid products without proper labels

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje today advised the public, particularly those who are still on a shopping spree for gifts, to avoid products that have no proper labeling.

At the same time, Paje urged consumers to report to concerned government agencies products suspected to contain toxic or hazardous chemicals for appropriate action.

Paje made the statement amid reports that some cheap toys from China that have found their way into the local street markets have high lead content that could cause adverse effect on health.

“As parents, we have to be mindful of the gifts we give to our children. Life may be difficult, but still it is no reason to patronize toys that are cheap but dangerous to their health,” Paje said.

He urged parents and adults to avoid toys and other products that are still in the market despite reports that these contain either toxic or hazardous substances.

“I advise parents and other gift-givers to be extra-careful, and be updated on news reports. The government, the media and some well-meaning non-government organizations never fail to inform the public of their findings. There is no more reason for us to fall victim to unscrupulous business practices,” he said.

According to him, the DENR is in close coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in ensuring that guidelines in product labeling for locally-manufactured toys and other consumer products are strictly followed.

He also announced that his agency is set to issue a directive that would regulate the importation and use of lead and lead compounds in the country.

“We will be issuing a chemical control order (CCO) for lead as soon as the Environmental Management Bureau EMB) finishes the public consultation process with various stakeholders, including affected small and medium enterprises, and inputs are collected and incorporated in the draft order,” Paje said.

The proposed CCO for lead and lead compounds will cover importation, distribution, manufacture and use of lead and lead compounds, as well as their storage, transport and disposal of wastes.


Lead is a heavy, bluish-gray metal either in the form of granules, shot, foil, sheet or powder. It is naturally occurring in the earth’s crust and is relatively poor as conductor of electricity. However, exposure to lead could be toxic to many organs and tissues, such as heart and kidneys and to the reproductive and nervous systems. Lead exposure among children could affect their learning ability and may cause behavioral disorders.

Childhood lead exposure can occur by way of ingestion of lead dust dislodged from deteriorated paint or leaded dust generated during remodeling or painting.

According to Paje, lead is used in the country as raw materials or additives in major industries, such as in the semiconductor sector, printing, smelting, recycling and soldering. Lead is also used in the manufacture of ammunitions, batteries, and paints and pigments.

He said that despite the presence of cheap alternatives, lead-based products such as paints are still widely used in bridges, ships, railways, lighthouses and other steel structures because it slows down rusting and corrosion of iron and steel.

Pending its issuance, Paje said the DENR is strictly monitoring registered industries, including paint manufacturers, to ensure compliance to earlier guidelines issued by the department such as DAO 2005-27 or the Revised Priority Chemical List (PCL) which requires all users, importers, and manufacturers of chemicals included in the list to comply with such requirements as submission of an Annual Report and Hazardous Wastes Registration Report. PAO-DENR

Paje implores mayors, governors to take geohazard maps seriously

“More than a planning tool, these maps are a lifesaver.”

This was stressed today by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje who on Monday reiterated anew his call for local government executives to give serious attention to the geohazard maps which the DENR has distributed to some 1,600 municipalities and cities and about 4,000 barangays nationwide.

“I implore on heads of local government units to take genuine interest in these geohazard maps we have provided them especially for those whose areas are in identified disaster-prone areas so they can take the necessary steps before, during and after calamity,” said Paje, adding that the 1:50,000-scale geohazard maps are a critical planning tool in the government’s risk reduction program.

Paje has earlier ordered the MGB last year to re-distribute the maps to LGUs following the May 2010 elections to ensure that all newly elected local officials. “The practice is we immediately furnish the local government units after completion of the maps. But after the elections in May last year, I directed the MGB to distribute the maps again to make sure that our local officials, particularly the new ones,” he said. Briefings were also conducted to local officials down to barangays.

Among other things, geo-hazard maps contain information as to the level of susceptibility of areas to flooding and landslide, including areas that could possibly be used as relocation or evacuation sites, in case of calamities.

Under Republic Act No. 10121 or the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, LGUs are tasked to evacuate residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas and relocate them to safe areas in times of impending typhoon and other weather disturbances that could bring heavy rains.

The Act requires all provinces, cities, and municipalities to have a Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM) systems to have a greater responsibility in building the disaster preparedness of communities and institute disaster risk reduction within their jurisdictions.

“The maps are there to increase the LGU’s competence on hazards, vulnerability and risk assessment activities and enable them to establish their LDRRM system to effectively comply with RA 10121,” Paje stressed. PAO-DENR

DENR to conduct political boundary survey in Davao City

The regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Davao City has launched a PhP7.4 million political boundary survey project covering the city’s 3rd congressional district.

On hand to grace the launching recently were Davao City 3rd District Representative Isidro Ungab, City Planning Officer Robert Alabado, representing Davao City Mayor Sarah Duterte-Carpio and DENR regional officials.

DENR-Region 9 Technical Director Felix S. Alicer said the political boundary survey is part of the Cadastral Survey Project which Secretary Ramon Paje has committed to fast track during the Aquino administration.

The survey project, to be undertaken by Geolane Land Consultants, is expected to be finished within 240 calendar days.

Alicer also said that a total of 178 control points or stations shall be set up under the project which shall serve as reference points for all surveys that will conducted in the city and as political boundary monuments.

Of the total, 23 control points shall be installed in Baguio District, 56 in Calinan District, 19 in Marilog District, 42 in Toril District, and 38 in Tugbok District.

Rep. Ungab expressed gratitude to the DENR for prioritizing his congressional district for the project, noting that there was never a clear delineation of boundaries among the different barangays in Calinan District.

“This undertaking of the DENR is very timely, and it will surely propel development because by then each of the barangay will be able to collect appropriate real property taxes from owners,” Ungab said. He also stressed that the survey will address boundary conflicts among neighboring barangays.

Alabado, on the other hand, conveyed Mayor Duterte’s directive urging all barangay officials to cooperate with the DENR, underscoring the importance of the boundary survey in the determination of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) for each of the barangays. There are 82 barangays comprising the third congressional district.

He also thanked the DENR for the project as the local government has no budget for political boundary surveys. “We are lucky that the DENR has allocated funds for the activity,” he said. PAO-DENR

DENR launches 2nd automatic air quality monitoring station in Valenzuela City

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) launched Wednesday its second fully automatic air quality monitoring station in Valenzuela City to collect real-time pollution data in northern Metro Manila.

Leading the launch at the grounds of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela (PLV) at Mayson Road in Malinta, Valenzuela were Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Director Juan Miguel Cuna, representing DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje; Valenzuela City Administrator Teresita Capacillo, representing Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian; and PLV President Nedeña Torralba.

Paje had earlier said that the station would be part of the agency’s continuing efforts to improve air quality especially in Metro Manila, where vehicles contribute to about 80 per cent of pollutants.

“As part of our clean air program, the data that this station will collect will be used as reference for crafting air quality management programs and policies especially by the local government unit,” he said.

Cuna, on the other hand, reiterated during the launching ceremony that the station is also capable of determining weather conditions that may affect the movement of air pollutants.

The equipment would provide air pollution data in a timely manner, as well as allow the use of the data in developing attainment and maintenance plans and for abatement measures, he added.

The Valenzuela station is the second to be launched out of four such stations purchased this year. The first was launched on November 15 at the De La Salle University in Taft Avenue to measure data in south Manila . The third is along Commonwealth Avenue , which would be launched on December 20, while the fourth is yet to be installed at the Department of Public Works and Highways compound along EDSA.

The newly installed equipment is capable of measuring pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and ozone, as well as measure meteorological data such as wind speed and direction in real time, with the data available online.

Aside from the four new stations, the DENR has nine other manual monitoring stations distributed throughout Metro Manila to measure TSP levels.

The DENR, through the EMB, has reported that air quality in Metro Manila has improved as evidenced by the declining level of total suspended particulates (TSP), which significantly dropped from an average of 166 micrograms per normal cubic meter (µg/Ncm) at the end of the second quarter of 2010, to 116µg/Ncm as of the third quarter of this year. PAO-DENR

15 companies awarded Seal of Approval by DENR

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) today awarded 15 companies which have shown exemplary environmental performance with the Seal of Approval under the agency’s Philippine Environment Partnership Program (PEPP). This brings to a total of 39 the number of companies recognized for their environmental performance since 2009.

DENR Secretary Ramon Paje, who led the awarding ceremonies at the DENR Social Hall in Quezon City, said that PEPP is a program that supports the aspiration of industries toward self-regulation.

He also said that the program aims to promote corporate social responsibility (CSR) among local industries, particularly those that consider environmental protection an important part of sound governance.

“With the PEPP, we wish to recognize and show our appreciation for companies that give premium to environmental protection as an integral business concern. Somehow they realize that to thrive in the global economy, they need to respond as well to environmental challenges,” he said.

The companies bestowed with the award, under “Track 1” category, for “going beyond simple compliance, and being driven by competitiveness, image and supply chain requirements to improve their performance” are the following:

Aboitiz Power – Hedcor, Inc. (Beckel, Benguet); PSI Technologies, Inc. (Taguig); Holcim Philippines – Bacnotan Plan (La Union); STMicroelectronic, inc. ( Calamba City , Laguna); KEP CO Ilijan Corporation Philippines (Ilijan, Batangas); Aboitiz Power Renewables, Inc. – Mak-Ban Geothermal Plant (Bay, Laguna); Aboitiz Power Renewables, Inc. – Tiwi Geothermal Plant (Tiwi, Albay); Energy Development Corporation (Kanangga, Leyte); Green Core Geothermal Inc. (Ormoc, Leyte); Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation (Isabel, Leyte); Nestle Philippines, Inc. – CDO Factory (Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City); Holcim Philippines – Davao Plant (Ilang, Davao City); Alliance Select Foods International (Tambler, General Santos City); Southern Philippines Power (Alabel, Saranggani Province); and Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc. – General Santos Plant (Bula, General Santos City).

Likewise, Absolut Distillers, Inc. was awarded a Special Citation for Environmental Excellence, for winning the Green Apple Award in London, England last November 14. The citation award was received by business tycoon Dr. Lucio Tan. Absolut Distillers was also one of PEPP Track I awardees in 2009.

The DENR Official Seal of Approval for Track 1 awardees is valid for one year. Industries that fall under this category should have had no cases filed against them with the Pollution Adjudication Board of the DENR for three years prior to their date of application; have fully complied with all applicable environmental laws, rules and regulations; and have a proven record of superior environmental performance.

As a reward, PEPP Track 1 recipients will benefit from relaxed requirements in the frequency of submission of reports, longer validity of permits, and simplified requirements for securing an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for expansion projects.

The PEPP covers all industrial and commercial establishments, both public and private, including agri-industrial facilities, manufacturing and commercial enterprises and other facility services. PAO-DENR

P-Noy concerned with air pollution, says Paje

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje said today that President Aquino has expressed concern over air pollution that may be worsened with the traditional merry making that comes with the holiday celebration.

“The past few months saw the continuing decrease in the level of air pollution in the metropolis from a high of 166 micrograms per Normal cubic meter (ug/Ncm) in June 2010 to 116 ug/Ncm by the end of the third quarter this year. In fact, we attained a low of 112 ug/Ncm last September. We will lose the momentum of our efforts unless the public cooperates with the government in minimizing, if not totally avoid, the use of firecrackers in the coming holidays,” Paje said.

In a letter to the Department of Interior and Local Government, Paje sought the assistance of Secretary Jesse Robredo to designate common firecracker areas that will allow Filipinos to celebrate without the pollution that usually comes with it.

“Designated common fireworks areas (CFAs), whether within a municipality or even among a cluster of barangays would drastically reduce the amount of air pollution from pyrotechnics such as dust, sulfur and charcoal which can complicate respiratory problems,” said Paje.

CFAs could also avoid possible harm to the people, he added.

He, however, expressed optimism over the DILG’s resolve to show political will to designate CFAs in light of snowballing support for the scheme as all of the 17 city and town mayors in Metro Manila signed last October 18, 2011 Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Resolution No. 11-31.

MMDA Resolution 11-31 urges Metro Manila’s local executives to set up in every baranggay common fireworks zones in line with the call for the strict implementation of Republic Act 7183 (An act regulating the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices) to “provide safer environment” to celebrate the holidays.

Firecrackers contain sulfur, charcoal and other materials that form greenhouse gases when these react with oxidants in the air.

Further, dusts from fireworks and firecrackers can affect the lungs and pose a real danger to people who suffer from illnesses of the respiratory system like asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, pneumonia, rhinitis and sinusitis. PAO-DENR

DENR launches Environmental Compliance Assistance Center for local government units

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Friday (Dec. 9) formally launched its Environmental Compliance Assistance Center (ECAC) to assist local government units (LGUs) on technical concerns and compliance to environmental laws.

DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje said the establishment of the assistance center is the DENR’s response “to continually educate our local officials and employees on environmental management, including environmental laws.”

“LGUs are instruments of the national government in enforcing compliance with environmental laws and regulations, especially since some of these laws are devolved to them. The ECAC will therefore strengthen the LGU’s capacity in efficiently performing their duties and obligations as environmentally-regulated institutions, and being operators of regulated public facilities such as hospitals, schools, and markets,” he stated.

The environment chief added that the ECAC is a one-stop center “to guide LGUs in understanding and complying with the many complex environmental laws and standards we have in the country.” He also expected the ECAC to contribute in fast-tracking the implementation of laws such as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act and the Clean Water Act, to name a few.

The launch at the Sulo Hotel in Quezon City with Paje visiting the website (www.emb.gov.ph/ecacenter) was witnessed by representatives from the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Metro Manila’s LGUs.

The LGU-dedicated ECAC website contains environmental laws, regulations and resolutions, as well as information on the different permits and clearances issued by the DENR. The website also features an “Ask the Expert” section monitored by dedicated technical personnel to respond to online queries.

The ECAC is located at the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) building within the D ENR compound in Quezon City, and manned by technical personnel to assist LGUs. It can also be reached at telephone number 920-2260 or through the email address eca.center@emb.gov.ph. PAO-DENR

DENR, DLSU launch air quality monitoring station

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the De La Salle University (DLSU) jointly launched today (Tuesday) a new air quality monitoring station to collect real time air quality data along major thoroughfares of south Manila.

Leading the launching held at the DLSU campus along Taft Avenue in Manila were Environmental Management Bureau Dir. Juan Miguel Cuna, representing DENR Sec. Ramon J. P. Paje, and DLSU’s President and Chancellor Bro. Narciso Erquiza Jr., FSC. The activity is part of the highlights of this year’s celebration of November as National Clean Air Month.

In a speech read by Cuna, Paje lauded the university’s administration in partnering with the DENR in the effort to provide for improved air quality for the people in the metropolis. “We are glad of the support extended to us by one of the country’s leading universities known for its expertise in technology that promotes sustainable environmental development and clean energy,” he said.

Paje explained that the DLSU air quality station was the third to be installed this year to strengthen monitoring of air pollutants in the metropolis. The first two air quality monitoring equipment have been installed in Valenzuela City and in Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City while the fourth equipment will be installed at the compound of the Department of Public Works and Highways along EDSA, also in Quezon City, within the year.

According to Paje, the newly installed equipment is capable of measuring criteria pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, benzene, toluene and xylene, as well as meteorological data, all in real time.

He added that in line with the DENR’s Clean Air program, the data collected would be used for air quality management, traffic and land-use purposes, determining exposure and advancing studies on health, vegetation or building materials. “With more pollutants being monitored in real time, we can be assured of more effective policies in curbing air pollution,” he said.

Paje stressed the need for more interventions to achieve the healthy World Health Organization standard of 90 µg/Ncm. These include enhancement of anti-smoke belching operations in Metro Manila; adoption of more stringent emission standards for all types of motor vehicles; and the use of closed-circuit television cameras for a stricter monitoring of private emission testing and motor vehicle inspection centers.

Meanwhile, EMB Dir. Cuna said that all four air quality monitoring stations will be operated by the EMB. He also said that his agency regularly monitors air pollution by measuring the amount of dust and other pollutant particles in the air, known as total suspended particulates or TSPs. The level of TSP in Meetro Manila reportedly dropped from 166 micrograms per normal cubic meter (µg/Ncm) during the second quarter of 2010 to 120 µg/Ncm for the same period in 2011, and further went down to an average of 1116 µg/Ncm for the third quarter of this year. PAO-DENR

Farmers to benefit from National Greening Program for improved water supply to irrigate farmlands

The agricultural sector has much to benefit from the National Greening Program (NGP) as the latter would substantially improve the water yield of watersheds, thereby ensuring the supply of water to irrigate farmlands.

At the same time, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje said that additional areas will be made available to high value crops through agroforestry to enable farmers earn additional income.

“We are seeking to plant and develop some 1.5 million hectares of open and idle forestlands between 2011 and 2016 in order to address the problem of soil erosion, secure a sustainable supply of water and providing additional livelihood for farmers through agroforestry,” explained Paje.

According to Paje, the NGP forms part of a number of initiatives that the Aquino Administration is putting in place to guarantee food security and enable the Filipino farmer cope with the impacts of climate change. He also said that under the NGP, the government seeks to improve the vegetative cover of watersheds nationwide that could supply much of the freshwater requirement of the country.

Food security is one of the pressing issues facing the Philippines being widely regarded as highly susceptible to the effects of climate change. Soil erosion is equally problematic due to the country’s geographic conditions.

DENR data show that about 20 million hectares or two-thirds of the country’s total land area of 30 million hectares, are hilly and mountainous, making these areas susceptible to soil erosion whose direct impacts and side-effects include low crop productivity, reduction of the capacity of water conveyance structures, destruction of wildlife habitat, and destruction of standing crops.

The environment chief said that under the NGP, agroforestry is encouraged to address poverty and provide livelihood opportunities for farmers especially those in the uplands. The DENR, with the Departments of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform through the Convergence Initiative, will assist farmers in the planting of coffee, cacao, cashew, and other high value crops, Paje added.

There are 8 million hectares of open, denuded and degraded lands that are in need of immediate rehabilitation.

Stressing that extreme weather events and change in rainfall patterns have resulted in substantial damage in the country’s crop yield, particularly rice, Paje said there is a need now to put science in upland development where plantation crops must suit not only the area’s soil type but also the elevation and the changing rainfall patterns.

"With the changing rainfall patterns due to climate change, affecting the planting and harvesting seasons for famers, this gives us in government and all its partners in the private sector more compelling reason to ensure the success of the NGP,” Paje stressed PAO-DENR

Housewife is PPUR text promo’s first millionaire

The “Pera sa Kweba” text raffle promo contest for the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) has a housewife from Malolos City, Bulacan as its first millionaire, it was announced by Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje, who also sits as the national campaign manager for the PPUR in the Search for the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

At the same time, Paje also announced that the “Pera sa Kweba” text promo for PPUR has been extended up to December 30, 2011. At stake in the grand draw, according to him, is a P25 million top prize. He urged the public to keep on texting. “Who knows you might be the next lucky winner like Marites Balagtas, our first millionaire in this campaign,” Paje stressed.

Lucky texter, Marites Balagtas, 38, narrated that when she received the text message informing her that she had won, she initially thought that the text message was part of a scam. Watching her favorite primetime show, however, erased all doubts.

“Naloko na po ako dati ng P300 sa isang scam kaya di po ako naniwala sa text (message) na natanggap ko nun. Pero noong nanood po ako ng Will Time, Big Time kinagabihan, narinig kong ina-announce ni Willie (Revillame, host of the show) ang pangalan ko at tinatawagan ako sa cell phone ko. Hindi nga po kami nun masyadong magkaintindihan sa telepono. Hindi po talaga ako agad makapaniwala,” Balagtas narrated.

The windfall could not have come at a better time. Her family had been one of the victims of typhoon Pedring which flooded large parts of Bulacan, including Malolos City, in late September. Her husband, a pedicab driver, had been sick for several days already. And, low on funds, she was forced to cut short her eldest son’s confinement in a hospital where he was then being treated for dengue fever.

Marites narrated that she joined the contest to try her luck. She had sent eight text messages over different dates costing her P20, for a total of 16 entries, since each SMS sent for the promo before November 10, 2011 was worth two raffle entries. She recalled that it was before November 6, when she received the text message and the televised call.

Asked how she would spend the money, Maritess, a mother of three, said she would invest it in her children’s education. She also wanted a better, though small and simple, house for her family. She was also thinking of giving some of her siblings a little “balato” as capital for their livelihood activities.

Marites was accompanied by two of her kids, her brother and his own kids, when she met with members of the Task Force Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Quezon City.

There she received a facsimile of her winning check from Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn and Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Austere Panadero as the other members of the task force watched and congratulated her.

As of November 17, the “Pera sa Kweba” text raffle promo has given away P10,000 each to 45 daily winners; P100,000 to each of three bi-weekly winners; P250,000 each to two monthly winners; and one P1-million prize. Additionally, 20 winners have each won P50,000 as drawn on the show Will Time, Big Time.

The contest was initiated by the private sector to promote the PPUR as an eco-tourism site, and to educate the public on why it deserved to be a finalist in the New Seven Wonders of Nature (N7WN) contest.

Paje said the extension of the “Pera sa Kuweba” promo up to December 30, 2011 was to give the people more chances of winning.

Paje also extended his gratitude to all who voted for the PPUR, either through text or the internet, saying the “collective effort would go a long way not only in promoting the PPUR as an eco-tourism destination for both the domestic and foreign tourists but also in encouraging the public to go into environmental protection.”

The PPUR has landed in the provisional list of New 7 Wonders of Nature as announced recently by the organizers of the competition.

To join the “Pera sa Kweba” promo, text the word PPUR and send to 2861 for all local networks. Each SMS costs P2.50, and entitles the texter one raffle entry. Winning mobile numbers are electronically drawn under the supervision of the Department of Trade and Industry.

The on-going promo is slated to give away more than P30 million worth of cash prizes, with the grand prize of P25 million to be given away to one lucky winner on the final draw scheduled on December 30, 2011. Lucky texters can win cash prizes ranging from P10,000 to as much as P1 million. PAO-DENR

Paje proposes strict regulation of fireworks for the holidays

To reduce the volume of pollution usually generated over the holidays, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje has proposed the strict regulation of fireworks during the holidays through the designation of areas where Filipinos can set off and enjoy fireworks and other pyrotechnic displays.

“We are looking for ways that will allow Filipinos to enjoy Christmas and New Year without the pollution that usually comes with it,” he said, adding that the indiscriminate setting off of fireworks is “like putting pollution in the hands of society.”

Paje said that he would bring up his proposal with Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, explaining that setting up such areas, whether within a municipality or even among a cluster of barangays, would drastically reduce the amount of air pollutants from pyrotechnics, such as dust, sulfur and charcoal which complicate respiratory problems.

These pollutants lead to the formation of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. They also get trapped in smog that blankets the air afterwards, aggravated by the cold weather and rain expected from the occurrence of La Niña.

Paje noted that the pollution would also set back the country’s gains in reducing the air pollution level especially in Metro Manila, where the level of total suspended particulates (TSPs) declined during the first three quarters of the year. Latest report indicated a decrease to 120 ug/ncm in the 3rd quarter of 2011, from 130 ug/ncm during the same period last year.

The DENR secretary added that common fireworks areas would also mean areas where people could safely enjoy fireworks and make cleaning up afterwards an easier task, translating to less fires, injuries and deaths.

Aside from designating common areas for fireworks, the DENR chief reminded Filipinos to refrain from burning tires, which produces carbon monoxide and other poisonous metals such as zinc which is harmful when inhaled.

He then challenged Filipinos to “tap their creativity and ingenuity in celebrating the holidays with less harm to health, lives and environment.” PAO-DENR

Environmental law enforcement teams to stage chorale concert

The government’s law enforcement groups formed to run after illegal loggers and polluters are taking an unlikely tact to beef up their arsenal - a concert chorale.

The Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force (AILTF) and the Environmental Law Enforcement Task Force (ELETF) are holding a free concert today (November 28) at the central office Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Quezon City, dubbed “Harana sa Kalikasan 2011.”

The concert will feature the Ramon Magsaysay High School Chorale (RMHSC) which was adjudged as the best chorale group by the Aliw Awards Foundation in 2006 and 2007, and won the championship in the prestigious National Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA) in 2005. RMHSC likewise bagged two silver medals in the 2008 Hongkong International Youth and Children’s Hospital Choir Festival.

RMHSC's latest accolade was winning the top prize in the “Musikahan sa Tagum National Chorale Competition” last February and was also declared as a grand prize winner of various chorale competitions organized by the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong, Samsung Phil., Manila Broadcasting Company and the Department of Tourism.

According to AILTF and ELTEF head Major General Renato Miranda (ret.), the holding of the concert “forms part of his organization’s recognition of the potent force of the arts and culture” to shore up public appreciation and participation in efforts to promote environmental activism in the country.

AILTF’s creation was the result of the issuance of Executive Order (EO) No. 23 by President Benigno S. Aquino III last February 1, 2011, tasking the DENR as chair, to give teeth to the government’s enforcement of the EO’s imposition of log ban in natural and residual forests throughout the country.

ELETF, on the other hand, was created last year under DENR Memorandum Circular 2010-15 issued by Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje. AILTF and ELTEF are presently holding office at the DENR Central Office in Visayas Avenue, Quezon City with Miranda as Executive Director. PAO-DENR